Russian Star Facing World Cup Knockout Over Hamstring Injury

Russia midfielder Alan Dzagoev maybe ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury in their opening 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Thursday saw him being substituted, the Russian Football Union confirmed.

“Alan Dzagoev damaged the muscles in the back of the thigh,” Russian Football Union said in a brief statement.

Dzagoev, who has spent his entire club career with CSKA Moscow, starred for Russia at Euro 2012 with three goals, but missed Euro 2016 with a broken foot and also had to pull out of last summer’s Confederations Cup with a hamstring injury. He has also dealt with an Achilles injury.

The 27-year-old is among Russia’s top players with nine goals in 58 appearances, but fans will be encouraged by the performance of his replacement, Denis Cheryshev, who scored twice against Saudi Arabia.